Let me first say that I am very sorry you have been made to feel this way. It shouldn't happen, really, but unfortunately many people approach religious topics in ways that make other people upset. On behalf of any Christians who may have done that, I apologize.

Let me also say that as a Christian, I have been directly commanded to share the gospel. It is very much indeed my "personal mission." Matthew 28: 18-20 says: "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'" That is something I cannot possibly ignore.

Therefore, I will not shy away from a religious conversation. I will not back down from the truth I know, and I will not apologize for my passion. Because that's what it is -- a passion for the love of Christ that makes me want the whole world to know his love too.

But I will also share the truth with the compassion Christ showed. I will attempt to truly understand your beliefs before anything else. I will not make it seem like you are stupid because you believe differently from me, and I will not attack or criticize you. I will approach you with humility. I will understand that *my* sins nailed Christ to the cross, and that even though I am granted His mercy, I am unworthy as much as anyone else to approach the face of God.

I *will* share. And I will share not because I know I'm right and want to prove it, but because I love you enough to want you to know God, to know that He died for you so you could have an eternal friendship with him.

Gahalia